Much has been said about the Amazon’s role as the producer of 20% of global oxygen; however, its role as a water generator and temperature regulator in Latin America often goes unnoticed. 

Through the process of “evapotranspiration” (volume of water vapor generated by the evaporation of wetlands and respiration of trees), the Amazon generates a current of humidity-laden air and clouds that cools the continent and allows:

Generation of rain clouds: the transpiration of trees in the Amazon cools and fills the air with moisture, generating ideal conditions for water vapor generated by the rainforest marshes and the Atlantic Ocean to become rain clouds.

Andean torrential rain: Moisture-laden air and clouds are pushed from the jungle into the Andes by the tradewinds. Upon reaching the mountain range, the collision with the cold mountain air causes violent condensation that unleashes torrential rains in Peru and Ecuador. 

Distribution of water across the continent: But it doesn’t stop there, the trade winds continue their journey through South America, carrying water southward and towards dry regions in Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and southern Brazil until finally this “flying river” brings water to the entire continent.

Could it be that the Amazon is both one of the lungs of the world and the heart of South America?